Understanding Your FEMA Letter

Residents who applied for FEMA disaster assistance after the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding will receive a letter from FEMA by mail or e-mail. The letter may ask you to submit more information or supporting documents that are needed to continue processing your application. 

It is important to read the letter carefully. It will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on how you can use your disaster assistance funds. The letter will also explain your application status and it will give you information about how to appeal the decision.

You may be asked to provide one or more of the following:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy  
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster

If you have questions about your letter, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Homeowners and renters in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties can apply for federal assistance until the Aug. 19 application deadline.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL | Spanish

Video: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance  | ASL | Spanish

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to federal assistance for Tennesseans who were affected by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. Anyone with an accessibility need who is applying for FEMA assistance should let FEMA know by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

kwei.nwaogu Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:13

New Mexicans Can Apply for FEMA Assistance Even if Helped in the Past

SANTA FE, New Mexico – Homeowners and renters in Lincoln County who suffered losses after severe storms, flooding and landslides are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance even if they have received help from FEMA after past disasters.

Previous FEMA aid does not affect eligibility for assistance for the severe weather that began June 23. Disaster assistance can include grants for home repairs, personal property loss and other disaster-caused needs.

Lincoln County residents with homeowners or renters insurance are encouraged to file a claim as soon as possible with their insurance carrier. By law, FEMA cannot provide funding for losses covered by your insurance. If your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance. 

• There are several ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• In-person assistance is available at the State Disaster Resource Center located at Eastern New Mexico University – Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345. The location is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• You can also use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline specialists speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. 

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4886. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6 and on X at x.com/FEMARegion6

toan.nguyen Sat, 07/26/2025 - 19:50

FEMA, SBA Providing In-Person Assistance at State Disaster Resource Center

SANTA FE, New Mexico – In coordination with the state of New Mexico, FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration staff will offer face-to-face help starting Saturday, July 26, for residents affected by the ongoing severe storms, flooding and landslides

Homeowners and renters in Lincoln County may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance for the severe weather that began June 23.

FEMA and SBA will support state-led recovery efforts at a state Disaster Resource Center. Staff can help residents apply for federal assistance, including grants from FEMA or low-interest SBA loans. 

Staff will be available starting Saturday, July 26 at the following location:

LINCOLN COUNTY
Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Annex 
709 Mechem Dr.
Ruidoso, N.M. 88345

Hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., daily 

SBA provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more program and location information, please go to www.sba.gov/disaster. You may also apply online at https:// lending.sba.gov. You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

FEMA staff can help residents in several ways including:

• Checking the status of an application already in the system and making minor changes to applications.
• Contacting faith-based organizations, community groups, private sector businesses and public libraries that may have the capability to distribute disaster-related information to residents in the impacted county.
• Identifying organizations providing disaster-related services and/or resources to the public for long-term recovery.
• Gathering information about impacts to communities.
• Providing flyers explaining how to apply for disaster assistance.

1. New Mexicans with homeowners or renters insurance should first file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.
2. Residents can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages. Press 2 for Spanish.
3. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4886. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6 and on X at x.com/FEMARegion6

toan.nguyen Sat, 07/26/2025 - 19:05

South Texas Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Aug. 1

AUSTIN, Texas – In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will permanently close Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) next week in the South Texas counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28.

The DRCs are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at these locations. The centers will close Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

Cameron:

Harlingen Convention Center

701 Harlingen Heights

Harlingen, TX 78552

 

San Benito Parks and Recreation Bldg.

705 N. Bowie St.

San Benito, TX. 78586

 

Hidalgo County

Weslaco EDC

275 S. Kansas Ave.

Weslaco, TX 78596

 

Pharr Development & Research Center

850 W. Dicker Road

Pharr, TX. 78577

FEMA and SBA are supporting state-led recovery efforts at the recovery centers. Staff can help survivors affected by the storms in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties check the status of their application for disaster assistance. They can also identify potential needs and connect survivors with local, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits and community groups. Residents can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of Texas and the SBA. No appointment is needed.

All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the centers to answer questions, assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.

For information, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

After the DRCs close, help with disaster assistance will remain available via the FEMA Helpline, where FEMA representatives are available to answer questions on application status, the appeals process or other disaster-related inquiries. Survivors may contact the FEMA Helpline by calling 800-621-3362 or may also go online at disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app for information on their applications. The phone line is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, you may provide FEMA your phone number to utilize the service. 

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4871. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6

toan.nguyen Sat, 07/26/2025 - 15:51

Be Alert to Fraud After a Disaster

SANTA FE, New Mexico – New Mexicans should be aware that con artists and criminals may try to obtain money or steal personal information through fraud or identity theft after the severe storms, flooding and landslides that began June 23, 2025. 

In some cases, thieves try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from homeowners and renters.

If a FEMA inspector comes to your home and you did not submit a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge to create a FEMA application. If so, please inform the inspector that you did not apply for FEMA assistance so they can submit a request to stop further processing of the application.

If you did not apply for assistance and receive a letter from FEMA, or if you suspect fraudulent activity involving FEMA, you can report it to the FEMA Fraud Branch at  StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or write to: FEMA Fraud and Internal Investigation Division, 400 C Street SW Mail Stop 3005, Washington, DC 20472-3005.

Scams

FEMA responders, housing inspectors and other officials work in impacted areas. They carry official identification badges with photo IDs. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications.

Don't believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. They don’t represent FEMA.

Don't give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.

How to Report Fraud

If you believe you are the victim of fraud or a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department. You may also submit a complaint to the New Mexico Department of Justice at secure.nmag.gov/ecs or by calling the Santa Fe office at 505-490-4060.

If you suspect identity theft, please visit Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information or IdentityTheft.gov

To view an accessible video about fraud, visit: FEMA Accessible: Fraud FEMA (youtube.com)

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4886. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6

toan.nguyen Fri, 07/25/2025 - 21:50

FEMA Publishes Notices of Funding Opportunity, Empowering States to Take Charge of Their Own Individualized Disaster Preparedness

Federal Funding Will Bolster Protections Against Earthquakes and Floods  

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published two Notices of Funding Opportunity, making millions in federal funding available to help states and territories protect their communities from floods and earthquakes. Both floods and earthquakes can happen nearly anywhere with little warning, and they both can cause mass devastation to American communities. These funds demonstrate how FEMA is returning to its core mission: safeguarding the American people and increasing state, local, tribal and territorial capability to respond to and recover from disasters.  

“With these funding opportunities, we are empowering states to take charge of their disaster preparedness,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator David Richardson. “States and local governments know what their communities need, and they can use this money to get it. The more we build resilience at the state and local level, the more prepared our nation will be.” 

The announcement comes after a critical evaluation of all grant programs and recipients to root out waste, fraud and abuse and deliver accountability for the American taxpayer. Unlike the previous administration, recipients of grants will no longer be permitted to use federal funds to house illegal immigrants at luxury hotels, fund climate change pet projects or empower radical organizations with unseemly ties that don’t serve the interest of the American people. 

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funding opportunity for the Community Assistance Program–State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) makes $15 million available to states and territories to help them manage their flood risk. In recent years, recipients of the CAP-SSSE grant have used this funding for various projects, including: 

• Helping communities rebuild after major flooding, including the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
• Training local government officials on how to assess flood damage and submit claims for assistance, empowering them to manage disaster recovery.
• Developing resources to inform the public on what to do after a flood, helping individuals and families jumpstart their recovery. 

The FY 2025 funding opportunity for the NEHRP Individual State Earthquake Assistance makes $2 million available to states and territories to help them protect against the impacts of earthquakes. In recent years, recipients of FEMA NEHRP Individual State Earthquake Assistance have used this funding for various projects, including: 

• Mapping critical facilities—like police stations, fire departments, schools and medical facilities—located in high earthquake hazard areas to help local governments plan for how damaged facilities may impact their response.
• Exercises with first responder, law enforcement and other government agencies to help the state plan how to respond rapidly to save lives after an earthquake.
• Training for local government officials on how to identify and inspect earthquake risk to critical buildings and take steps to protect that infrastructure. 

The application period for both these grant programs will open on Monday, July 28, at 9 a.m. ET and close on Monday, August 11, at 5 p.m. ET. All applications must be submitted in FEMA GO. 

In the coming weeks, FEMA expects to publish more Notices of Funding Opportunity for its grant programs, making billions of dollars in federal funding available. These funding opportunities were carefully vetted to ensure taxpayer dollars are not spent frivolously.   

amy.ashbridge Fri, 07/25/2025 - 21:43

FEMA Support Ends as Disaster Case Management Program Continues at One Stop Rebuilding Center

LOS ANGELES – As the demand for in-person services has decreased over time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) in-person presence will end at 5 p.m. July 31, 2025, at the One Stop Rebuilding Center.  The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to provide support and remain available at the center, located at:

One Stop Rebuilding Center – LA City 
1828 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025 
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed weekends.
 

Services from Cal OES, FEMA and SBA will maintain in-person support for survivors at the Altadena Community Center, located at:

Altadena Community Center – LA County
730 E. Altadena Dr.
Altadena, CA 91001
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed weekends.

To contact FEMA and stay in touch, visit DisasterAssistance.gov. To speak with a FEMA specialist directly call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.  If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. Lines are open daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. 

Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP)

DCMP is FEMA-funded and provides supplemental Disaster Case Management services to vulnerable populations in the event of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration that includes Individual Assistance.

The DCMP is a limited-term, holistic partnership between a case manager and an individual survivor or household to identify and address unmet needs caused by the declared disaster. DCMP case management staff will be on site to help survivors navigate recovery resources, including FEMA Individual Assistance, and to develop individualized recovery plans. To see contact or see if you qualify, call (833) 775-DCMP or (833) 775-3267.

Survivors can continue to provide additional documentation or supporting files to FEMA by mailing:
 

FEMA – Individuals and Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055;

 

Or by facsimile: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals and Households Program

###

 

Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA's YouTube account. For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready.gov, on Instagram @Ready.gov or on the Ready Facebook page.

California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.

eileen.chao Fri, 07/25/2025 - 19:43

Last Day to Apply for FEMA Assistance Following April Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky homeowners and renters who experienced damage or loss caused by the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides have until 11:59 p.m. today to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is today.

How To Apply for FEMA Assistance

There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”).
• Use the FEMA mobile app.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis.

FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs.

When you apply, you will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a 

home inspection or get additional information.

 

Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and is not intended to compensate for all losses caused by a 

disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

 

For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4864. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.

martyce.allenjr Fri, 07/25/2025 - 12:25

Money Is Available for Personal Property Losses, Including Musical Instruments

Tennesseans love their music! So, it is good news that musicians and other residents who had damage or losses from April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding, may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties are encouraged to apply by the Aug. 19 deadline.

Insurance is the best means to recover after a natural disaster. FEMA assistance covers basic needs, it does not restore all disaster-related property loss. However, FEMA assistance may repair or replace disaster-damaged property if conditions meet the eligibility requirements, and the item(s) fall within any of these categories:

• Appliances: includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
• Clothing: essential clothing needed due to overall loss, damage, or contamination.
• Furniture: basic furnishings found in a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room.
• Tools: tools and equipment (including musical instruments) required for your job and items required as a condition of an applicant’s or household member’s education. This assistance also applies to self-employed individuals.
• Computer: funds to cover replacement of one personal or family computer. Funds for additional computers required for work or school may be approved.
• Accessibility: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property required for qualified applicants with disabilities.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. In-person help is available at any Disaster Recovery Center for submitting applications, getting updates and asking questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).

Video: What to Expect Before Applying for FEMA Assistance | ASL | Spanish

Video: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance  | ASL | Spanish

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available. To learn more or apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955.

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to federal assistance for Tennesseans who were affected by the April 2-24 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. Anyone with an accessibility need who is applying for FEMA assistance should let FEMA know by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

kwei.nwaogu Fri, 07/25/2025 - 11:22

Clinton County Residents Invited to Review Flood Maps

CHICAGO - Preliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in Clinton County and Incorporated Areas. Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. Community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment period.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around July 30, 2025. The preliminary maps and changes from current maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. 

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community stakeholders can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. Contact your local floodplain administrator to do so. 

• Appeals must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information, such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary, they can submit a written comment. 

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps. 

For more information about the flood maps: 

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon during operating hours).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone toll-free at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.  

Most homeowner’s, renter’s and business insurance policies do not cover flood damage to a building and its contents. More than 40% of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims are from outside high-risk flood zones. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting www.FloodSmart.gov.

For more information, contact the FEMA Mapping Team at FEMA-R5-MAP@fema.dhs.gov.

kimberly.keblish Thu, 07/24/2025 - 19:49